Google announces new tech in New York

Everything you need to know about from the Made by Google event
- byBrett Wadelton

10 Oct
2018

Google have held their annual Made By Google event in New York City on October 9th, showcasing the best of the best when it comes to hardware created by the tech titan.

While most of the latest hardware was previously leaked in the lead up to the event, there were still a couple of surprises from Google left for the event, with a real focus on lifestyle products to help us through the day-to-day.

Here’s what Google has announced today.

Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL

Let’s talk about Google’s latest flagship phones.

The smaller Pixel 3 continues a similar design as the Pixel 2 with some improvements inside, while the Pixel 3 XL has a notch. It’s been the trend of 2018, since Apple released the iPhone X last year, and has divided opinion.

There's lots of artificial intelligence at work on the camera front, including Top Shot which assists in capturing the perfect photo each time, Night Sight assists in low-light situations without the need for using a flash, Group Selfie Cam makes use of the wide-angle front-facing camera which means that group selfies will be easier than ever to get everyone in the shot, without needing a selfie stick while Playground overlays different augmented reality characters rendered on a scene and can interact with facial expressions on both photos and video.

There's also Active Edge, an easy way to activate Google Assistant and wireless charging is finally here.

Flip To Shhh is Google's way of helping you disconnect from the world, as part of their Digital Wellbeing initiative, by simply flipping over the Pixel 3 so that it’s face down to automatically turn off notifications.

Google Pixel 3, from left to right; Clearly White, Not Pink and Just Black.

Pixel Stand

It's been a feature that has long been missing from the Pixel, but Google is finally bringing it to the Pixel 3. Wireless charging is now supported, and with it is the release of the Pixel Stand.

MAIN FEATURES:

When your Pixel 3 is docked on the Pixel Stand, the UI adapts and makes it easy to see the display from wherever you are in the room. It also turns your Pixel 3 into a clock.

Pixel Slate & Pixel Slate Keyboard

While Microsoft has announced a refreshed version of its Surface tablet and Apple have the iPad Pro and range of Macbooks, Google have come to the party with the new Pixel Slate. The device can double as a laptop as well as a tablet, and runs on Google’s ChromeOS.

Pixel Slate Keyboard is a full-sized and backlit attachable keyboard, and is fully adjustable. It also doubles as a case for the Pixel Slate. It's also compatible with the Google Pixelbook Pen.

MAIN FEATURES:

All-new ChromeOS - UI is optimised for touch screen displays and a full desktop experience

Clear 293 PPI screen with 6 million pixels

Dual front-firing speakers, custom audio

8MP rear and front cameras with portrait mode

Fingerprint sensor on the power button

Customised launcher with apps that you use frequently and based on the time that you usually use them.

Deep Google Assistant integration

Wide-angle lens, excellent low-light performance

Family Link functionality

Night Light tunes the display temperature

Built-in virus protection and automatic updates

Titan Security

The bad news on this incredibly good looking device is that there's no word on the availability of the Pixel Slate in Australia, however, will be available in the US, Canada and the UK at launch.

Google Home Hub

Smart displays are the new trend, and Google has joined in with the Google Home Hub. Competing against Amazon’s Echo Show, the Home Hub features a 7” touch display, WiFi, Bluetooth and ambient light sensor. It also completes the ‘Google Home’ family of smart-speakers which are currently available in Australia.

MAIN FEATURES:

There's a couple of standout features of the Google Home Hub.

Ambient EQ fine-tunes the brightness and colours of the display based on the time of the day, while Home View provides a glance at everything that's going on in your home.

Live Albums show up automatically on the screen as well to display your favourite memories. Machine learning will also only show the best photos, taking out blurry or low-light images from the feed.

We were invited to New York City by Google for the ‘Made by Google’ event.

Brett WadeltonCurrently working with Pacific Magazines on digital content across multiple brands spanning food, family, homes, entertainment, style, beauty and health. Brett has over fourteen years experience in media (specifically broadcast media) and over eight years experience in social and digital media.